New Jersey Foreign Qualification 

Related: Get a New Jersey Registered Agent

If your company was not incorporated in New Jersey, but you wish to do business there, you need to register as a foreign entity with the state.

Acquiring a New Jersey Foreign Qualification allows a company formed in Delaware or any other state to legally transact business in New Jersey.

Please note: information on this page is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, requirements and costs can be changed by states at any time and Harvard Business Services cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

How to Get a New Jersey Certificate of Authority:

The New Jersey Division of Revenue requires different forms and fees depending on what type of entity you are operating.

Requirements for LLCs:

• File for a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity
• Fee: $125
• Certificate of Good Standing dated within 30 days of application is required. 

Requirements for Corporations:

• File for a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity
• Fee for Stock Corporations: $125
• Fee for Nonstock Corporations: $125 
• Certificate of Good Standing dated within 30 days of application is required. 

You must also appoint and list a New Jersey Registered Agent. The Registered Agent must be maintained at all times. Harvard Business Services can provide this service at a cost of just $99/year.

Harvard Business Services can assist with your application so you don’t have to deal with the New Jersey Division of Revenue directly. We do charge our own fee for this service, in addition to state fees. The exact fee can vary based upon whether your company is already filed and whether you need us to obtain additional documents to meet the state’s requirements. Please contact us for an exact quote.

How Do I Know if I Need a New Jersey Certificate of Authority?

In New Jersey, a Certificate of Authority is required to do business. Some of the most common reasons for applying for a New Jersey Certificate of Authority include:

• Opening a physical office or location
• Hiring employees
• Maintaining bank accounts
• Licensing authority
• Beginning a contract or job in the state 

Keep in mind that even if a New Jersey Certificate of Authority is not required for a specific activity, a bank, vendor or another party can still require one in order to establish a relationship.

New Jersey Annual Requirements

Once you have your New Jersey Foreign Qualification, state law requires entities to file an annual report. These are to be filed by all corporations and limited liability companies and are due by the end of the month of the anniversary date.

Foreign Stock Corporations annual report fee is $75.

Foreign Non-Profit Corporations annual report fee is $30.

Foreign  LLCs, LPs, and LLPs are $75. 

Please note that this annual requirement is independent from any obligations you may have in Delaware or other states.